Edwards, No. 23 Texas Tech hold off Kansas State 77-63

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MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — No. 23 Texas Tech went on the road and held strong late to grind out a Big 12 victory.

Kyler Edwards scored a career-high 24 points, Davide Moretti had 14 and the Red Raiders used a late push to beat Kansas State 77-63 Tuesday night.

Texas Tech (11-5, 2-2 Big 12) led by 15 during the first half, but the Wildcats rallied and led 46-45 with 13 minutes remaining. Kevin McCuller scored nine of his 10 points in the final 11:30 to help steady the Red Raiders. Jahmi’us Ramsey also had 10 points.

“These Big 12 games are so hard to win especially on the road,” Texas Tech coach Chris Beard said. “I have so much respect for coach Bruce Weber and what he’s done here,”

Cartier Diarra scored 19 points, Xavier Sneed had 14 and Montavious Murphy added 11 for Kansas State (7-9, 0-4).

This is only the second time Texas Tech has won at Kansas State since 2007.

The Wildcats shot 47.2% but only had 36 attempts due to 20 turnovers. Texas Tech also shot 47.2% from the field.

“Our guys care and obviously are frustrated,” Weber said. “But we fought back in this game and. Told our guys to play with passion and I think they did.”

The Red Raiders scored 30 points off those turnovers and made seven 3-pointers.

Kansas State shot almost as many free throws as field goals, making 25 of 34 attempts from the line.

It took Kansas State over four minutes to score in the game. In their last game against Texas, the Wildcats didn’t score a point in the second half until the 12-minute mark.

“I think we need come out and stay focused,” Murphy said. “We play good defense, but sometimes they hit the shot because we break down.”

Texas Tech outrebounded Kansas State 31-23 as the Wildcats posted their lowest number of rebounds in a game this season.

STARTERS INJURED

Kansas State guard Mike McGuirl did not play due to a concussion and Texas Tech guard Terrance Shannon Jr. missed the game due to a back injury.

BIG PICTURE

Kansas State: The Wildcats got down early but fought back in the second half. The big hole proved costly.

Texas Tech: Despite having 16 turnovers and battling foul trouble, the Red Raiders were able to hold off a pesky Wildcat team.

UP NEXT

Kansas State hosts West Virginia on Saturday.

Texas Tech goes home to take on Iowa State on Saturday.